What a wonderful Art Exhibition!

After a two-year absence there were some concerns as we were all out of practice.  No need to worry, the team effort kicked in from the outset with idverde and the initial set up including the introduction of the plant and floral display.  Artist check-in went smoothly, the hanging team did a superb job and by Friday evening we were set to go.  

On Saturday morning Mother Nature also stepped in to provide us with the beautiful weekend. We had excellent footfall throughout the entire exhibition; artists and visitors were genuinely delighted to be back in the Orangery. Throughout the exhibition many artists arranged to meet their buyers, family and friends to show their work as well as enjoy the entire exhibition. This was very successful, particularly as visitors always enjoy meeting the artists in person.

Overall sales were over £14,000 and our previous record in 2017 had been £11,600.  71 works from the main exhibition were sold, up from 61 in 2019.  In all, of 39 artists, 58% sold something compared with 50% at the 2019 exhibition. A huge thank you to you the artists, the standard was incredibly high and it was reflected in the sales over the 9 days. The spirit of the exhibition was captured by our Feature Artist Annie Leach’s beautiful contemporary botanical works from catalogue cover, posters through to her hung work display.  

The Orangery is booked for April 2023, and we are looking forward to doing it all again. A huge thanks must go to our sponsor, Ilchester Estates, who continued to support the Friends. Volunteers were many and their contribution invaluable, ensuring the smooth running of the exhibition, from those who helped with stewarding, artist check delivery and collection, Mini Market, artist sale reconciliation, payments and much more, so thank you!  In particular, I would like to thank my wife Sandra and daughter Alex who organise the exhibition.

Gordon French

[June 2022]

Art Exhibition 2022

Next month we will return to the Orangery and our Exhibition.  I cannot wait.

As a welcome back we are planning some special additions to our normal presentation, which will provide a lift to the exhibition as well as complementing the art.

I am delighted to announce our Feature Artist for this year is Annie Leach, a contemporary botanical artist who has been exhibiting with The Friends for many years.  Annie’s work is often bright and bold. Some of her paintings simply demonstrate the beauty of flowers, fruit, berries and plants, while others explore patterns created by petal leaves and shadows. I know you will enjoy the presentation.

If you have been thinking about entering, do it, there is still time.  All artists please remember to have your exhibition forms submitted by FRIDAY MARCH 4TH.

We hope that you will support The Friends of Holland Park by visiting our exhibition during the nine days in the Orangery, Saturday 2nd to Sunday 10th April.  Tell your family, friends and neighbours to come along.

See you in the Orangery.

Gordon French

[Spring 2022]

Art Exhibition 2022 Timetable

Friday, 4 March Final date for completed artist exhibit details forms to be received to allow catalogue listing

Friday, 1 April  Artists deliver artworks to the Orangery, Holland Park 8.30-11am
                                                                           
All artists will be required to sign the catalogue to certify  that all details shown are correct.

Friday, 1 April   Hanging and Judging 11am – 6pm

Saturday, 2 April   Exhibition open to the public until 10 April.  Entry free of charge, 10.30am – 6pm

Sunday, 10 April  Artists and buyers collect works, 6-7pm

Monday, 11 April  Artists and buyers collect works, 9-11am

All artists are asked NOT TO COLLECT THEIR WORKS BEFORE 6pm on SUNDAY 10 APRIL